Spirit recall magixx and zont1x, bench chopper and zweih

Spirit recall magixx and zont1x, bench chopper and zweih

Team Spirit have announced a double roster change in their Counter-Strike 2 lineup, bringing Boris “magixx” Vorobiev and Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotia back into the starting five while moving Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov and Ivan “zweih” Gogin to the bench. 

The change comes in the wake of Spirit’s post–Budapest Major review, with the organization opting to return to two familiar names who had previously been sidelined. Crucially, the reshuffle also includes a major role adjustment: magixx will take over in-game leading duties after chopper’s removal from the active roster. 

A reset after an uneven second half of the season

HLTV report that Spirit’s decision follows a disappointing second half marked by inconsistency, despite earlier highs after magixx was replaced by zweih. Spirit’s results peaked with notable trophy success in that period, but the team later struggled to maintain the same level after additional changes. 

The organization did not frame the move as a short-term trial. Instead, it signals a broader attempt to stabilize the project around a core that has already proven it can compete at the highest level — while also testing whether magixx can successfully translate his experience into the leadership role Spirit now need filled.

Coach hally’s message and the “fit” question

Additional context emerged via coverage citing head coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev, who described zweih in positive terms but suggested the team’s current needs point in a different direction. Esports.gg relayed an extended statement attributed to hally in which he called zweih “a very talented player and a great teammate,” while adding that the player still needs time to mature to compete at the elite level. 

That assessment lines up with the overall shape of the move: Spirit appear to be prioritizing immediate role clarity and structure, even if it means benching a recent addition.

chopper steps away — “rest and reset” until summer

Not long after the benching became official, chopper published his own update, announcing he will take a break from competition until the summer to “rest and reset,” and to reflect on his future. 

In his message, he thanked those he worked with during his tenure and offered words of support to magixx as his successor in the captain’s role:

“The main thing is never give up… Trust the guys around you, and everything will be fine!”

Chopper also described the decision as the “logical conclusion” of his journey with Spirit, noting that circumstances throughout the year had impacted results and performance.

Reactions: s1mple calls Spirit “even stronger”

The roster move quickly drew reactions across the scene. On stream, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev offered a bullish take on Spirit’s direction, saying the team “definitely became even stronger” with the return of magixx and zont1x, and suggesting that their rivals may face a tougher season ahead. 

Spirit’s updated lineup

With the changes confirmed, Spirit will field:

• Danil “donk” Kryshkovets

• Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov

• Andrey “tN1R” Tatarinovich

• Boris “magixx” Vorobiev (IGL)

• Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotia

• Coach: Sergey “hally” Shavaev

Benched: Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov, Ivan “zweih” Gogin